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Coalition for Indigenous STEM

Indigenous Ways of Knowing in STEM

Over hundreds of generations, Indigenous communities have developed sophisticated practices and ways of knowing in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Understanding these practices and ways of knowing leads all students to have a richer understanding of all STEM disciplines. This course introduces Indigenous ways of knowing in STEM, including traditional ecological knowledge and indigenous perspectives on the relationships between human and other-than-human communities. Students will explore the connections between Indigenous and Western ways of knowing in this course.

Learn From Tribal Nation Elders

This course is offered in collaboration with Montana American Indian Nations, and many sessions will be led by Indigenous scholars and elders. For the Fall 2025 semester, students will learn from scholars and elders from the Aaniiih, Blackfeet, and Nakoda nations.

Learn From Travel

Students will travel to tribal community homelands within the state of Montana, as this course offers free field trips to engage the class in place-based learning with tribal scholars. 

Satisfy Your Gen-Ed Requirements

This course satisfies the group X general education requirement, and is the only STEM class to satisfy the requirement for cultural and international diversity. 

Register 

Students can reach out to their academic advisor and use the following information to register for the course:

  • Course Number: M109
  • CRN: 73235
  • Schedule: Fridays, 10:30-11:50am

Ways of Knowing Educators

The Indigenous Ways of Knowing in STEM course is possible because of the meaningful collaboration between Montana Tribal Nations and CIS. For the Fall 2025 semester, students will learn from scholars and elders from the Aaniiih, Blackfeet, and Nakoda nations.

Meet the Team

Helen Augare stands in front of Chief Mountain on the Blackfeet Reservation

Helen Augare

Helen Augare Carlson Mamiatsikimiiaki-Magpie Woman is a member of the Ampskapii Piikani with strong ties to the Two Medicine River Valley of the Blackfeet Nation. She earned a BS in Business Administration with emphasis in Management and Information Systems. Helen began her career at Blackfeet Community College (BFCC) in STEM education reform in 2000. She is currently the co-founder of the Native Science Field Centers and Sr. Administrator at BFCC.
Leo Bird stands on Blackfeet homelands in front of Glacier National Park.

Leo Bird

Leo Bird is a retired science teacher from Browning High School in Browning, Montana, where he taught chemistry and astronomy.
Terry stands in front of foliage speaking

Terry Brockie

A member of the Aaniiih (White Clay Nation) of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in MT, Terry Brockie has devoted much of his life to perpetuating his Tribal culture through language revitalization. Terry currently teaches his native language at Aaniiih/Nakoda College and works as a consultant in education & Tribal economic development.
Melissa Weatherwax stand in front of a wall.

Melissa Weatherwax

Okii Niisto Niitaniikoo Melissa Little Plume Weatherwax raised her family on the Two Medicine Little Badger Rivers with her husband Marvin on the Blackfeet Reservation. She has committed to the Piikanii language and knowledge learning through ceremony, community learning engagement, and a personal love for the Piikanii language. Melissa has served her community at Blackfeet Community College for 21 years. Her professional background includes systemic reform, K-12 and secondary informal science, renewable energy development and training, and facilities development & fundraising.
Blackfeet Community College logo - temporary picture holder.

Alicia Yellow Owl

Alicia Yellow Owl is a passionate professional committed to blending Native American knowledge and perspectives with modern education. With a strong foundation in Native Science, Alicia works to bridge traditional ecological wisdom with contemporary scientific practices, fostering a deeper, holistic understanding of the natural world. As a Project Developer at Blackfeet Community College, Alicia plays a key role in crafting inclusive, culturally relevant learning experiences that honor Indigenous traditions while promoting academic growth.